The Republic of Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located 1,600 kilometers east of the African continent, northeast of Madagascar.
The Seychelles has neighboring island states: Mauritius and Reunion (belonging to France) to the south, and the Maldives to the northeast. Seychelles is a tiny country, with a total size of 455 square kilometers, but it attracts many tourists every year who want to enjoy the good life that this tropical paradise has to offer.
The first documented evidence of the arrival of man in the Seychelles is from 1505, when Portuguese sailors came to the islands who were mostly pirates. In 1756 the French captured the islands and named them after the then French Minister of Finance, Jean Moro de Seychelles.
In 1814, after many years of struggles for control of the Seychelles between the British and the French, the islands passed to the British and became the colony of the British Crown. It was not until 1976, on June 29, that the country gained independence from Britain.
The languages spoken in the Seychelles are English, Seychellois Creole and French, the languages used by the islanders during the history of the change of government in it.
Tourism in the Seychelles
The capital of the Seychelles is Victoria and is located on the northeast side of the island of Maha. Near the city is the Seychelles International Airport.
Most transport between the islands is by ferry. On island roads vehicles travel on the left side (as in England, Australia and Japan).
Tourists love the Seychelles because of the stunning white beaches with huge coconut fruit and turquoise calm sea, the vibrant and colorful little town of Victoria, the huge sea turtles, the secluded quiet corners as opposed to the bustling resorts.
Those who love sporting activities will find in the waters of the Seychelles diving and snorkeling activities in the coral reefs, or swimming with turtles. On the island itself you can climb the rocks and visit the beautiful botanical gardens, the National Museum of History, the colorful market of Victoria, the Val de Mai Reserve, the Arid Island Reserve and the Il Coco Reserve.
In the video: Praslin Island, the second largest island in the Seychelles,
located about 53 km northeast of Mahe.
Seychelles flag
The Seychelles flag was officially adopted on June 18, 1996. The colors of the flag symbolize the future and development of the country. Here is the meaning of each color: blue - the sky and the sea that surrounds the island. Yellow - the sun, which gives the light of life. Red - the people, and their work towards unity and love. White - social justice and harmony. Green - the environment, vegetation, soil and resources.
The local Creole cuisine mainly includes spicy fish and seafood.
The Seychelles Independence Day celebrations are spent by the residents on an official day off, with the families on picnics and trips, and at night the sky is lit up with spectacular fireworks.
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| A giant turtle on La Digue Island Source |
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| Hotel pool in the Seychelles Source |
June 29 is also World Industrial Design Day and International Mud Day